June 2, 2015

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A hail storm this past Sunday in Missoula, Montana damaged the eggs of famous osprey mates Stanley and Iris. The two birds are featured subjects of the new Scientist in the Field book The Call of the Osprey,which follows scientists as they study how mercury and other contaminants in surrounding water supplies are affecting the birds.

Ospreys are known to have gigantic nests and develop a family unit that functions through teamwork and cooperation. Despite Iris and Stanley’s best efforts for protection, not all three eggs made it through the storm. But, the Montana Osprey Project (which runs a 24 hour webcam fixed on the osprey nest) is hopeful that the two remaining eggs will produce healthy chicks.

To read more about the storm and its effects on Stanley and Iris, visit here. And make sure to pick up a copy of The Call of the Osprey by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, photographs by William Munoz, out today. You can also visit the osprey’s page on Facebook here.

Update on June 3: Unfortunately, all of the eggs have been lost or deemed not viable. Follow the Facebook page above for more information.

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